UNMC students represent Malaysia at Malaysian Youth Delegation to COP22

UNMC students represent Malaysia at Malaysian Youth Delegation to COP22

Jasmin Irisha Jim Ilham and Dulanga Witharanage from The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) have been selected to be part of the Malaysian Youth Delegation 2016 (MYD 2016) at the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Marrakech, Morocco due to be held from 7 to 18 November 2016.

COP22 provides an important platform for nations to build on the landmark agreement secured at the COP21 in Paris last December.

Both Jasmin and Dulanga, who are from the Faculty of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, had to undergo a rigorous application process to be selected as part of MYD 2016. Shortlisted applicants were required to go through an interview session, where they were questioned deep into their understanding and knowledge of climate change, the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC. Applicants were finally shortlisted taking into consideration their academic merits and achievements, as well as their contributions towards community and environmental initiatives.

Jasmin and Dulanga are representatives of MYD and will be observing the negotiation process whilst shadowing the Malaysian negotiators alongside two other youth candidates from Malaysia. Jasmin and Dulanga’s participation is funded by UNMC.

They are expected to take part at the Conference of Youth 12 (COY12) from 4 to 6 November, where they will join youth from across the globe to address climate change and promote sustainable lifestyles. The main focus of this year’s COY is on the ‘Role of Education and Empowering Youth to take action on Climate Change and to bring about Positive Change in Society’.

“Nottingham students will be representing Malaysia at this important global conference. We are very happy to support students to attend COP22 for the second year. We recognise the important contribution that they are able to make in the area of climate change and we hope that they benefit from attending the conference,” said Professor Graham Kendall, CEO and Provost of UNMC.

“We look forward to represent UNMC at COP22. Issues relating to climate change have never been more important and pertinent globally which needs to be addressed urgently. More youth should be motivated to address climate change that affects humankind; regardless of country, religion and social background,” said Dulanga whilst stating that she is very appreciative of UNMC for giving her this opportunity.

“The Malaysian Youth Delegation will be the voice of the Malaysian Youth at COP22. We eagerly look forward to use this platform to engage in this global agenda after having been exposed to relevant issues during our studies. We are very grateful to UNMC for sponsoring us, and all our family and friends for supporting us” said Jasmin.